Houston Man Charged With Leaving Child In Car At Race Track

A 59-year-old man has been charged with a felony after leaving his four-year-old daughter in the car to go inside a Houston race track to gamble. 

The man is Daniel Ruiz, and he’s been charged with a form of child abandonment. The child was left in the car for over four hours. 

This comes after a couple was arrested for leaving their six-year-old daughter in the car to gamble inside a Pennsylvania casino. 

Additional Details of the Case 

While inside, the car engine was turned off, and the girl was alone. The office of Harris County Constable Mark Herman was alerted. 

From there, deputies arrived on the scene, located the girl, and apprehended Ruiz as he made his way back to the car. 

Ruiz Admitted to Gambling While Inside

The deputies on the scene questioned Ruiz, and he admitted to gambling while inside. 

He was charged with child abandonment with intent to return and was booked at the Harris County Jail. Per jail records, his bail was set at $5,000, and he appears to have been released. 

The case has now been given to local prosecutors. It’s unclear if Ruiz plans to settle with a plea, but given the charges, he faces up to two years in prison. 

Girl Handed to Another Adult

In the wake of Ruiz’s arrest, deputies contacted Texas Child Protective Services, and the child was given to another adult guardian while still at the track. 

The child didn’t suffer any injuries or require any medical attention. The outside temperature that day was between 55 and 63 degrees. 

This incident occurred at Sam Houston Race Park, which offers Thoroughbred and American Quarter horse racing at certain times of the year. It’s located about 15 miles northwest of downtown Houston. 

Penn Entertainment owns this park.